Shire boosts MacKillop pilgrim experience

The Southern Grampians Shire Mayor, Macus Rentsch, says pilgrims have started flocking to the region ahead of Mary MacKillop's canonisation on Sunday.

The shire is one of five in the region that have worked together to improve the visitor experience for pilgrims.

Mary MacKillop lived in Portland for four years and her father is buried at Hamilton.

Councillor Rentsch says the shire has installed interpretive signs at places of significance.

"We've already noticed that even at Hamilton there has been an increase in interest with people coming through Hamilton and looking at the grave site where Alexander MacKillop is buried at the Hamilton cemetery and also there's an area at St Mary's church in Hamilton where there are areas where people can pay their respects to Mary," he said.